4 member committee constituted for managing closure, opening of Zojila pass
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER-18: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today chaired a meeting to take stock of preparation for smooth traffic regulation on Srinagar – Leh highway during winter season.
The meeting, among others was attended by Div Com Ladakh, Saughat Biswas, DC Ganderbal, DC Kargil, SP Ganderbal, SP Kargil, Director MeT, CE Beacon, PD NHAI, ED NHDCIL Srinagar and other concerned through Videoconferencing.
CE MED, CE R&B, DySP Traffic Rural also attended the meeting.
The committee constituted for management of opening and closure of Zojila pass include Div Com Kashmir Div Com Ladakh, DC Ganderbal and DC Kargil.
At the outset, the Div Com said that decision on opening and closure of Zojila pass shall be taken only after concurrence from the said committee.
He directed Director MeT department to ensure regular weather forecast and decision on opening or closure of the road shall be taken after the feedback from BRO, Sonamarg Development Authority and Two concerned construction agencies.
He stressed on all concerned to gear up and ensure opening of the road for both upward and downward vehicles for longer period.
The Div Com said that as per the present condition only one way traffic shall be allowed and emphasized concerned to apply and implement the regulations for both army and civil vehicular movement from Gangangeer in letter and spirit.
DC Ganderbal was directed to ensure facilities including health services, besides both private and government accommodations are made available for employees and for stranded passengers in case needed.
He stressed on deployment of cranes, snow cutters, snow pullovers, 4×4 recovery vehicles and other necessary machinery, besides establishment of joint control room, wireless services, operation of cellular towers and other related facilities are made available at all vital locations for prompt response to any exigency situation.
SSP traffic was instructed to ensure smooth regulation of traffic movement and awareness of day -wise upward and down ward convoy movement.
The Div Com stressed on concerned to ensure prompt snow clearance work and all related facilities are put in place for hassle-free and incident free traffic movement through the Zojila pass during winter months.
He said that all efforts are afoot to ensure the road remains closed for a lesser period during this winter period, even during the peak season when the level of snowfall is high.
The Div Com further said that a team of SDRF personnel shall also remain deployed for relief and rescue in case any situation arises.
